Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples
Volunteer Force, expressed
his appreciation on Tuesday to President Bola Tinubu
for the reinstatement of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. He characterized
this move as a positive stride in the correct direction.
He emphasized that among the various efforts to address the
concerns of the Niger Delta, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs directly
addresses these issues and plays a crucial role in coordinating and executing
programs and initiatives designed to foster sustainable development,
tranquility, and steadiness in the oil-rich region.
Initially, there was apprehension when the Ministry of Niger
Delta Affairs was omitted from the list of ministries assigned to newly
appointed ministers. This raised anxieties among leaders, intellectuals, and
stakeholders of the Niger Delta, sparking speculation that the ministry might
have been eliminated by the President.
However, President Tinubu rectified this by reassigning
Abubakar Momoh from the Ministry of Youth to the Ministry of Niger Delta
Affairs.
In his commendatory statement in Abuja, Dokubo-Asari
requested President Tinubu to contemplate reverting the Niger Delta Development
Commission to its former designation as the Oil Mineral Areas Development
Commission.
He conveyed, “Mr. President, I extend my gratitude and
wish to applaud your decision to restore the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
This determination underscores your resolve, underscores your profound grasp of
the challenges and distinct requirements of the Niger Delta region, and
underscores your commitment to addressing them.”
He continued, “Despite numerous attempts to alleviate
the grievances of the Niger Delta, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs
represents a direct endeavor and thus occupies a pivotal role in harmonizing
and executing programs and initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable
development, harmony, and stability in the region abundant with oil. Its
revival engenders renewed optimism among the people of the Niger Delta that
their concerns will be effectively handled, and their voices will resonate
within your administration.”
Dokubo-Asari also traced the history of the Niger Delta’s
struggle and agitation, spanning from colonial times to post-independence eras.
He cited instances where colonial powers suppressed the region’s voices and the
establishment of the Willink’s Commission in 1957 to address the concerns of
the minorities in colonial Nigeria.
He emphasized that the NDDC’s establishment was not solely to
cater to the interests of oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta, contrary to
common misconceptions.
“In light of the above, it’s evident that the NDDC is
disconnected from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Oil-producing areas
should be treated on their individual merits, while the Niger Delta regions of
Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states should be recognized exclusively
as the Niger Delta from geographical and scientific viewpoints.”
He concluded by acknowledging President Tinubu as an
attentive and compassionate leader and pledged that the Niger Delta community
would remember and reciprocate this significant action.
